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HOUGHTON, Mich. – The Michigan Tech volleyball team opened the 2017 Keweenaw Classic with a 3-1 win over the Mary Marauders. Tech stepped out with a slow start, falling to Mary in the first set (25-22), but dominated the last three (25-11, 25-12, 25-12) for a Huskies win. Tech is now 3-2 on the season.

"I'm glad to get the win to start off the tournament and our home schedule," said Tech Head Coach Matt Jennings. "I was particularly happy to see the way we came out in the second set after starting out a little tense. We really got going there offensively, starting with our two senior middles. But really, it was a balanced attack, all our attackers did their part."

The Black and Gold regained momentum in the last three sets overpowering Mary at the net. As a whole, the team hit .421 and especially high in set two (.521). Defensively, the Huskies were untouchable, out blocking Mary 9-0.

"We made some adjustments after set one on defense that worked out pretty well," said Jennings. "Mariah and Lauren had some shut down blocks and as a team we did a good job making it hard for them to score. Halie and Elle were strong in the backcourt tonight and kept us in a lot of plays."

Freshman, Laura DeMarchi, again proving as a defensive leader tallying her fourth straight double-double, led both teams in assists (49) and digs (13) while adding three kills and two aces. Elle Heinonen added 12 digs, while Halie Hart (11) and Anna Jonynas (10) also hit double figures on defense.

"Laura set another nice match tonight," added Jennings. "Especially once she settled down in the second set. She had our offense running on all cylinders and spread out the ball very well."

The Huskies have a pair of matches Friday. Their first match vs. Bemidji State is set to begin at 1:30 p.m. followed by an evening match vs. St. Cloud State at 7:30 p.m.